Mass. lawmakers to hear medical marijuana bills

BOSTON (AP) — A legislative committee plans to hear several proposals to change Massachusetts' medical marijuana law as the state prepares for implementation of the voter-approved measures.

Among the bills before the Public Health Committee on Monday is one that would reduce the maximum number of medical marijuana dispensaries allowed in Massachusetts from 35 to 10. Another proposal would prohibit the dispensaries from being located within 1,000 feet of a school, house of worship or civic enter.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is expected to issue final regulations governing medical marijuana later this month.

Massachusetts voters passed a ballot question in November allowing for the use of medicinal marijuana for patients with certain medical conditions, including cancer, Parkinson's disease and AIDS. Patients would be allowed to receive up to a 60-day supply of marijuana.